How To Monetize Your Android or iOS Mobile Phone App

Android and iOS have simply revolutionized the Smartphone market. The Play Store and the Apple Store contains so many apps that if you start downloading and using each one of those, you will need many months to finish the process. The main reason behind such majestic size of the stores is the fact that the applications are easy to create thanks to endless gigabits of training material available online and in the form of books. But one question that these books fail to cover is – How to Monetize These Applications?

In the following blog post we will discuss 6 monetizing methods for apps and help you decide what will work for you.

Paid Apps

This is one of the most sought after monetizing method for application. Other than being developer’s favorite method, this method makes the most money and converts easily (if it is really very helpful).

Pros

Simple and easy to implement

Involves good money

Cons

Store keeps certain amount of money (30% in case of Apple)

Cost of future upgrades is also covered within this cost

In – App Advertising

Popular with free application, this method involves displaying advertisements within the application. When the users click on these adverts or even if they view adds, you mint some money (cents actually). Most of the developer allow users to make an in-app purchase (which is another method of monetization) and then display all the features available in the premium version. We can also include the (much-hated) notification adverts in this section.

Pros

Simple and easy to implement

Since the app is free, expect a lot of downloads

Cons

Need a lot of downloads to make some appreciable income

Rate of conversion is too low

In-App Purchases

This method allows the user to purchase some points or premium stuff from within the app. These purchases then can be used to enhance the experience of using the application in some way or the other. For example buying coins in a game app to upgrade guns and tanks.

Pros

Almost unlimited offers can be promoted

New items and premiums can be added with each update and hence capture more money through a single app

Cons

Moderate conversion rate

If you sell through the official store, store keeps a fixed percentage for every deal and every offer promoted throughout the life of the app

Users Pay To Access The WebApp

This is a kind of monetization I avoid. Although many successful app builders have been able to do wonders with this kind of a solution, it involves double the work than other methods. You create and distribute an application for free for mobile phones but users have to pay a fixed amount to get access to the Web or Desktop app. The basic feature associated with such apps is the syncing of tasks or notes and other such data when accessing the app from different sources.

Pros

Reaches more customers (webapp has its own charm)

Cons

Extra time and money required to develope web-app

Subscriptions

This is my favorite method of capturing fixed amount of money every month. Just like a magazine, people subscribe to see the content of your application on a weekly or monthly basis. For this method to work, content must be fresh, informative and helpful in day to day life.

Pros

Not much competition in the app stores

Can implement more sources of income like in-app purchases through affiliate links

Monthly income

Cons

Conversion rate may fall if you fail to deliver appropriate content

You compete with the free information available on internet

Affiliates and Lead Generation

This method works for the apps that have the ability to sell services. For example, if you create an application for air ticket booking you can earn huge money in commissions if people book tickets using your affiliate links. BUT one major problem with this app is that that it requires a lot of trust from users.

Pros

Huge money involved

Cons

Conclusion

Different applications demand a different monetization model. While paid app model works excellent for Games, affiliate model will work like a charm for flight booking application. You just need to spend a little time thinking about the approach your users will have towards your application. For example, if you launch a train booking app under a paid app model, I will never spend a dime on such an app because I know there are a lot of free sources available. Now if the same application is provided for free, I will definitely use it to book my flight ticket and unknowingly generate income for you too. Amkay?